William Henry Harris Sr. devoted his career to community journalism, economic development and public service, establishing a legacy that extended far beyond the newspapers he published.
Born in Laurel, Harris was part of a family long identified with Mississippi journalism. His father, Edgar Harris, established the West Point Times Leader, and his brother, Sid R. Harris, published the Times Post in Houston. A graduate of Mississippi State University, Harris served his country during World War II as an aerial navigator before returning to Mississippi and the newspaper profession.
Harris became editor and publisher of the West Point Times Leader and publisher of the Starkville Daily News. Through his newspapers and his extensive civic involvement, he worked throughout his life to advance the interests of West Point and Mississippi. He served as president of the Mississippi Press Association in 1958, contributing his leadership to the organization and to the advancement of journalism across the state.
His commitment to Mississippi’s economic progress was equally significant. Harris was the creator and first president of the Colonel MIM program, a statewide initiative designed to encourage Mississippians to spend their money within the state. The program was credited with keeping more dollars in Mississippi and helping create additional jobs and wages for its citizens.
Harris also served as president of the Mississippi Economic Council, the state chamber of commerce, and was a member of the Mississippi Research and Development Council. At the local level, he was a past president of both the Clay County Chamber of Commerce and the West Point Rotary Club. He also served as a director of the Clay County Federal Savings & Loan Association and was listed in Who’s Who in the South and Southwest.
Among his many contributions to regional development, Harris was one of three commissioners of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport and was considered one of the driving forces behind its creation.
Deeply committed to his faith and community, Harris was a deacon and longtime Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of West Point and served as a trustee of Mississippi Baptist Hospital in Jackson.
Harris died in 1975 at age 50. In reflecting on his life, contemporaries remembered a man who gave generously of his time and talents to improve Mississippi and the lives of its people. His influence was felt not only through the newspapers he led, but through decades of civic and economic leadership that benefited Mississippians across the state.
In recognition of his distinguished career and enduring contributions to Mississippi journalism and public life, William Henry Harris was selected as an inaugural member of the Mississippi Press Hall of Fame in 1986.
